Why I Won’t Give a Sample of my DNA to Decode Genetics

Last week I posted a picture on our Facebook page of the contents of an envelope I received from the company Decode Genetics, in which they kindly request that I give them a sample of my DNA. I made some glib remark about swabbing the dog, but didn’t really explain the full story.

Basically it is like this: Decode wants 100,000 Icelanders to give them DNA samples to put into their database. Apparently because the Icelandic population is so homogenous, our DNA contains clues as to what causes specific diseases. Decode wants to study this [indeed, Decode's entire existence is built around studying this] and make tons of money selling their findings to pharmaceutical and other medical sector companies. BUT for Decode to be able to do so they also have to have access to our medical records.

In return for our contribution, Decode is offering to give us a t-shirt.

Let us just take a moment to contemplate this stellar offer.

/ a moment.

Now, maybe giving up my DNA and a large chunk of my privacy is...